In addition to a refreshed set of duds, GMC is taking a three-pronged trim approach to the 2025 Terrain, offering an Elevation trim to start, followed by the one-two punch of AT4 and Denali – but those aren’t showing up until next year. More on that in a bit.
Up front we find a new seat of headlamps bookending a fresh take on the GMC corporate grille, a schnoz feature which will be different for each trim and largely mimic what’s on offer for equivalent trims in the Sierra. This is not an accident. Rear illumination is markedly similar to the existing model in terms of shape, though snazzy LED tricks will jazz up the place in tonier trims. The availability of a two-tone roof is a first for this model.
Last year, only the base SLE was offered with front-wheel-drive with the balance of the Terrain’s portfolio having power sent to all four wheels. This time around, GMC has chosen to kick off the model with an Elevation trim (a name grabbed from the Sierra, natch) which will come standard with all-wheel-drive. In previous years, Elevation was a stand-alone option package (basically blacked-out trim and some other doodads) which could be layered onto an SLT trim, for example.
Pipping a pack into a trim is likely a smart move in this instance, since it draws on the Sierra’s popularity; this author can name at least two family units in his circle who would be apt to buy a Terrain Elevation because they have a Sierra of similar spec. Yes, folks — sometimes making a sale is really that simple.
Under the hood of every 2025 Terrain is a 1.5L turbocharged engine making 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. If that sounds familiar, give yerself a gold star since it seems to be a carbon copy of the engine from last year. Interestingly, the transmission loses a cog for 2025, reducing itself to eight speeds instead of nine. This is not necessarily a step backwards, since an octogear unit is often the goldilocks of transmissions in applications like this – just right. Towing is limited to 1,500 pounds.
Better news is found in the cabin, where it seems the Terrain raided the closet of its big brother, the Acadia. Across all three trims is a 15.0-inch infotainment screen in the centre stack, equipped with a large volume dial at its base and numerous redundant buttons lined along its chin. These rocker-style switches generally have a pleasingly hefty feel in other GMC products yet are appropriately squishy as if one is fondling a piece of Excel chewing gum which had been somehow filled with hair gel. It works – and we’re glad not everything has been funnelled through the infotainment screen.
But close look at the icons on that screen appears to confirm that ancillary controls for the likes of dome lighting and power window lockouts are now virtual, as are the frickin’ headlights. At least there is a honest-to-nature physical start/stop button. Other items like the power hatch button, column-mounted electronic gear selector, and steering wheel controls are shared with the more expensive Acadia. An 11.0-inch digital gauge cluster is standard across all trims, as well. Up to eight camera views are available.
Customers looking for the off-road(-ish) AT4 trim or top-rung Denali must hold their horses for about 12 months until the 2026 model year. Those models represent the respective sub-brands which GMC have cultivated and nurtured over the last few years, making it all the more surprising that these trims will not be ready at initial launch. We’ve put some feelers out to determine if this decision is part of a larger plan or is simply the result of a production/supplier headache. When and if we learn more, this post will be updated.
The AT4 will get expected gear like a slightly higher ride height, a metal underbody shield, and all-terrain tires. The Denali is laden with heated seats in the front and rear, unique tuning of the dampers, and animations in those snazzy head- and taillamps.
Pricing has yet to surface, but for the current model, a $34,945 price tag greets shoppers interested in the least-expensive all-wheel-drive model. An AT4 is about five grand more while a Denali is about three stacks on top of that AT4 figure. GMC’s new pricing ladder has, on occasion of late, placed the AT4 and Denali on equal footing in terms what’s on the Monroney sticker. Given the extra kit and new style for those trims in 2026 for this car, it is not unreasonable to suggest an AT4 or Denali will bump up against the $45,000 mark by the time a few extras are fitted and fees are tallied.
Until then, GMC dealers will have to make do with the Elevation trim. That one will plunk itself in showrooms just before Santa finds his way down the chimney this year.
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